I just don't feel like it....

October 25, 2011

Sometimes I just don't feel like doing an asana practice.  I used to be so hard on myself when this would happen, but after taking my teacher training, I learned that there is so much more to yoga than asana.  There is sitting, breathing, practicing mindfulness, truthfulness, and non-harming in day to day life, and so much more.

Today we are in Bend, OR spending some time with Mat's sister and brother-in-law, Jessie and Jesse.  It is a gorgeous fall day and the Oregon colors are glowing brilliant oranges, reds and yellows in the low sitting sun on the horizon.  We decided to go for a hike and watch the leaves fall and the geese fly southbound over our heads.  Walking along, we came upon a beautiful spot on the river perfect for doing a few asanas.  But I just didn't feel like it.  For no good reason other than my body felt perfectly content going for a leisurely stroll in the park.  So I sat instead.

Jessie, Mat, and I took our seats on a large fallen tree by the creek.  The water was splashing upward against the sagging branches forming mini icicles.  Tiny specks of water reached desperately into the sunlight, as if the creek itself was too cold for the droplets! 

We closed our eyes and Mati led us through a meditation.  We let our thoughts roll quietly and peacefully down the stream, reminding ourselves to remain fluid in our lives and go with the flow.  It was the perfect yoga practice for the day and I was reminded that in times I can, in fact, receive more from just sitting than trying to force body flow.